Tipani Tours | Our Islands - Palmerston | Cook Island Tours & Accommodation Statistics Palmerston The island of Palmerston lies around 500 kms north-west of Rarotonga , and is the most northern, and only true atoll, in the Southern Group. Palmerston was first discovered by the English sea captain, James Cook, on June 16th 1744 on his second voyage through the Pacific, and was named after the 1st Lord of the Admiralty, Lord Palmerston. Cook himself did not set foot on Palmerston until some years later, in 1777, on his third and final Pacific voyage. Palmerston has a particularly unique history amongst the Cook Islands relating to the origins of its inhabitants. In 1863, an English ships carpenter named William Marsters arrived from Manuae and settled on this tiny uninhabited island with 3 wives, raising 17 children and 54 grand-children. Today, his descendants are scattered far and wide, and the Marsters name is synonymous with the island of Palmerston.

Some of those descendants who remain on the island export fish for an income, and have a strong tradition of welcoming visiting seafarers to their island. It is said that they are all fluent English speakers, with a distinct Gloucestershire accent passed down from their founding forbearer. The total land mass of Palmerston amounts to just one square mile (2.6 sq km) consisting of six sandy motu, or islets spread around a large lagoon about seven miles (11km) across at its widest point. The highest point on Palmerston is a sandhill only 20 feet (6 metres) tall that the locals nicknamed “the mountain.” The island has no airport of air services and there is no safe entry for larger vessels to access, but cruising yachts will find good anchorage in many parts of the lagoon along the western side with depths between 30-50 feet, though it is not an official port of entry so clearance should first be arranged before arrival. Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa (Cook Islands) - UPDATED 2017 Reviews - TripAdvisor Want the lowest hotel prices? You're in the right place. We check 200+ sites for you.

Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa #6 of 10 Hotels in Aitutaki Hotel website | Akitua Private Island, Cook Islands Special Price Trusted partner. We work with to make your booking as easy as possible. Secure payments. We use industry-leading practices to keep your information secure. Book on Enter dates for best prices powered by Ages of Children: change Please provide ages Child 1 Age or compare prices from up to 200 sites including: TripAdvisor members only. Login for exclusive access to hotel deals up to 40% off Login to get best prices 821 more photos Star rating provided by Expedia. Resort Luxury Breakfast included Beachfront Save Ages of Children: change Please provide ages Child 1 Age Rooms & rates for Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa We're finding you the best rooms at the lowest prices from our partner. Book on Getting you more information on this room See More Select Show available rooms for Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa We’re sorry, there are no available rooms for this property on TripAdvisor. Please change dates or see offers from our partners. We’re sorry, there are no available rooms for this property on TripAdvisor.

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Start your review of Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa Click to rate “excellent” Reviewed 2 days ago NEW excellent property. sports acitivities were good , gear was in good order. food was fine. Managers and their team is ever so willing to help. We thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone. Review collected in partnership with this hotel This business uses tools provided by TripAdvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one. Report “Sawyer / Smith Christmas Holiday 2016” Reviewed 2 days ago NEW This is our second time in the overwater bungalows...a must do. We arrived on Christmas Day 2016 ...very hard to have a resort receive you on this day....'cause the staff should be with their family's breakfast was a buffet and I had a fresh coconut drink to enjoy every morning...there is also an alecarte menu...had a member of our family... Review collected in partnership with this hotel This business uses tools provided by TripAdvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.

More “Most fantastic relaxing holiday ever!” Reviewed 3 days ago NEW Just amazing. The staff were "out of this world", the accommodation was just gorgeous and the cocktails and food were fabulous. Nothing to fault. Perfect holiday for those wanting "quiet time" and relaxation. Review collected in partnership with this hotel This business uses tools provided by TripAdvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one. More Thank alisonmE5387FV Nicola C, General Manager at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, responded to this review Kia Orana Alison! Thank you so much for reviewing your stay at the gorgeous Private Island Resort of Aitutaki Lagoon, for your most fantastic relaxing holiday ever! We truly appreciate your feedback, which we will pass on to our wonderful team who work hard to make every guests stay special. We are delighted that you enjoyed your Premium Beachfront bungalow...

More “Amazing Exotic Experience - Loved it” Reviewed 3 days ago NEW Best Tropical Destination one could ever wish for with the best of hosts & the best of food - The French Couple running the place treat you like family and they will make you feel at home - Loved it and would go back as soon as I am able to - the entire team is ever so friendly always... Review collected in partnership with this hotel This business uses tools provided by TripAdvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one. More Thank Sunil K Nicola C, General Manager at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, responded to this review Kia Orana Sunil! Thank you so much for your review of your stay at the amazing Private Island Resort of Aitutaki Lagoon, in the best tropical destination you could wish for! It was a real delight to meet you and your family and to host you all for a few days - so happy that you found our Resort! Our... More “A Diamond in the rough...” Reviewed 3 days ago NEW Firstly, this is one of the most spectacular places on earth...it is that beautiful. Sadly the rest of the resort does not keep up with the location.

It has great staff who want to do the right thing, but they run it severely understaffed, so they really can't look after you the way you expect at this price point. As... More Thank Michael L Nicola C, General Manager at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, responded to this review Kia Orana Michael! Thank you for reviewing your visit to the beautiful Private Island Resort of Aitutaki Lagoon, in what is as you say one of the most spectacular places on earth. The Resort has spacious rooms in beautiful grounds as you mentioned in your feedback form here, although we would have been pleased to have received more of your... More “Light show in Aitutaki” Reviewed 3 days ago NEW A quick unscheduled flight over to Aututaki from Raro revealed extraordinary natural beauty in the most serene surroundings. This was arranged for us by Sancturay Rarotonga - a mid morning departure and late evening return the following day gave us one night to 'look and see for next time', and there definitely will be a 'next time'! Absolute tranquility for...

Review collected in partnership with this hotel This business uses tools provided by TripAdvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one. More Thank SheilaRed Nicola C, General Manager at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, responded to this review Kia Orana Sheila! Thank you so much for reviewing your short stay at the beautiful Private Island Resort of Aitutaki Lagoon, which is set in the most serene surroundings, as you say. It was a real pleasure to host you and Carel and we are delighted that you enjoyed your Premium Beachfront bungalow with the breathtaking views across the lagoon.... More “Overpriced, but a great location” Reviewed 4 days ago NEW The resort is really overpriced for what you get. The location is amazing, but the resort does not live up to its price level. It was understaffed when we were there, and they charge far too much for extra services (even when you take the remoteness of Aitutaki into consideration). Everything seemed to be 20-50% more expensive than at the...

Review collected in partnership with this hotel This business uses tools provided by TripAdvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one. More Thank ebben Nicola C, General Manager at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, responded to this review Kia Orana Ebben! Thank you for your review of our beautiful private island resort on its great location on the lagoon. We are delighted that you enjoyed your very comfortable Overwater Bungalow and that our friendly staff helped to make your stay special. It has been a busy time for everyone over this festive period! Prices for services are comparable... More “Perfect!” Reviewed 4 days ago NEW Amazing resort. Upon arriving we were greeted by the resort managers whom were also in and out of meal services throughout our stay. I have special dietary requirements and they were more than accomodating, I was introduced the restaurant manager and they made sure I was taken care of when there was no vegan option on the menu. All of... Review collected in partnership with this hotel This business uses tools provided by TripAdvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one.

More Thank michaelajohnstone1 Nicola C, General Manager at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, responded to this review Kia Orana Michaela! Thank you so much for reviewing your stay at the beautiful Private Island Resort of Aitutaki Lagoon, for your perfect holiday in Paradise! We truly appreciate your feedback, which we will pass on to all of our wonderful friendly team who work hard to make every guests stay special. It was a real pleasure to meet you... More “so much potential” Reviewed 4 days ago NEW we had a rocky start with the booking manager, who overcharged. It took over 20 emails for him to agree to giving us the same price as they offered on Expedia - not cool! When we arrived at the beautiful and picturesque Aitutatik Lagoon Resort & Spa (ALRS) around noon, our room was not ready so we went to the... Review collected in partnership with this hotel This business uses tools provided by TripAdvisor (or one of its official Review Collection Partners) to encourage and collect guest reviews, including this one. More Thank brittacheetham Nicola C, General Manager at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, responded to this review Kia Orana Britta!

Thank you for reviewing your family visit to the beautiful and picturesque Private Island Resort of Aitutaki Lagoon. We truly appreciate your feedback, which we will pass on to our super friendly staff (usually the reception team are too…), who work hard to ensure all our guests have a great stay. I am sorry your room wasn’t... More “Can't miss location” Reviewed 5 days ago NEW Pros: Location location location. Can't be beat. Rooms were in great condition and the flower on the bed were a nice touch. Cons: Activity hut shut down at 4 PM!!! Still plenty of daylight, and for anyone who goes on a lagoon cruise, they are unable to make use of any of the kayaks, SUP's, snorkel equipment, etc. Only other... More Thank fitz168 Nicola C, General Manager at Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, responded to this review Kia Orana Ryan and Jacklyn! Thank you so much for reviewing your visit to the beautiful Private Island Resort of Aitutaki Lagoon – it is in an unrivalled location as you say! We are delighted that you enjoyed your comfortable, well-appointed Beachfront bungalow and that you appreciated all your special flowers!

I am sorry that the Activity Hut was closed... More Questions? Get answers from hotel staff and past guests. Ask a question Explore similar hotels Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info. Reset zoom There are no pins in your viewport. Try moving the map or changing your filters. Only show hotels with confirmed availability {providername} {price} We can't find prices for this accommodation From {rate_price} {rate_periodicity} 821 photos of this hotel Traveler photos: See what travelers like you saw Viewed Management photos: Courtesy of the property manager Viewed Hotels you might also like... Travelers also viewed these Aitutaki hotels 2.5 mi away Near Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa Top-rated Attractions Nearby Questions? Get answers from hotel staff and past guests. Ask a question Amenities Free High Speed Internet ( WiFi ) Beachfront Free High Speed Internet ( WiFi ) Paid Wifi Self-Serve Laundry Official Description (provided by the hotel) The only private island, adults only resort in the Cook Islands. It is the only Cook Islands resort to offer that invention of incurable romantics - the Overwater Bungalow.

And it is the only resort on Aitutaki with a truly Polynesian flavour, so you can truly savour what the South Pacific is famous for. ... more less Additional Information about Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa Address: | Akitua Private Island, Cook Islands Location: Cook Islands > Southern Cook Islands > Aitutaki Price Range: $364 - $443 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room) Hotel Class:4.5 star — Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa 4.5* Number of rooms: 36 Reservation Options: TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Priceline and Jetsetter so you can book your Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Also Known As: Cook Islands | Noni Cook Islands Aitutaki 140 miles (225 k) Mangaia 110 miles (177 k) Mauke 150 miles (241 k) Palmerston 270 miles (434 k) Tongareva (Penrhyn) 737 miles 1185 k) Pukapuka 715 miles (1150 k) The above content has been provided courtesy of Important Notice: The information in this website is for educational purposes only and is not recommended as a means of diagnosing or treating all illness. If you have questions as to the appropriateness of the information in regards to your own health, consult a qualified health professional. All matters concerning physical and mental health should be supervised by a health practitioner experienced in treating the relevant condition. Neither the publisher nor authors of Cook Islands Noni Marketing Ltd directly or indirectly dispense medical advice, nor do they prescribe any remedies or assume any responsibility for those who choose to treat themselves.

Copyright © 2014 Cook Islands Forum, Travel Discussion for Cook Islands - TripAdvisor Provided by: Cook Islands Tourism North America Top questions about Cook Islands How can I get to the Cook Islands? Weather in the Cook Islands? Rarotonga scenery? Picture post-card perfect. High island capital of the Cook Islands Aitutaki scenery? Magnificent lagoon area - one of the world's most beautiful scenes Atiu scenery - island of birds & rich cultural heritage Mangaia - Haunting beauty, intriguing history. Mauke - The garden isle - peace, tranquility, scenic beauty, sustainable lifestyles. Mitiaro island - little pearl of the Pacific! Accommodation on Rarotonga, and the outer islands? Airport transfers Island transport options & inter-island air service Sightseeing & Activities in the Cook Islands? History, Arts, Culture, Natural Heritage What are the beaches like? Lagoon tours? Rarotonga and Aitutaki lagoon tours. Getting married in Paradise? Honeymoons in paradise - the ultimate destination. Family holidays? Is Rarotonga a good choice for families with young children? Shopping hours and products Sunday shopping hours - where can I buy groceries and food?

Duty-free shopping on Rarotonga Are Credit Card Surcharges illegal in the Cook Islands? Driver licences for the Cook Islands? Dining options Late night dining options, arriving into Rarotonga Day-trip to Aitutaki - is it worth the cost? Fishing Trips - Deep Sea species Church services Snorkelling and swimming - where are the best locations on Rarotonga Swimming and snorkelling - where are the best locations on Aitutaki? RISKS to swimmers & bathers?? Sunblock can damage coral - choose carefully Accident & Emergency services Palmerston, Cook Islands Although they're called the Cook Islands, Palmerston is the only one on which Captain Cook ever set foot himself. He discovered it on his second voyage in 1774, but it wasn't until Sunday, April 13, 1777, during his third Pacific voyage, that he went ashore. He and his crew took on board supplies of "scurvy grass, palm cabbages, birds, fish and cocoanuts" , but they didn't find any fresh water.

Cook named the tiny and remote island after Lord Palmerston who was First Lord of the British Admiralty and father of a future British Prime Minister. The ancient name was supposedly Avarau, meaning 200 harbours. William was born a Masters and his name became corrupted to Marsters, possibly because of the way he pronounced it - he came from Leicestershire in England and grew up in the Midlands where the accent would have made it sound like there was an "r" in the middle. To this day, islanders still speak with remnants of an old fashioned English twang which linguists say resembles a Gloucestershire accent. But modern communications are gradually eroding that. Palmerston was annexed to the UK on 23rd May, 1891 and soon after, the British Government granted William a 21 year lease on the island, after a long war of words in the corridors of British power while a Scotsman contested William's claim. The Marsters family were granted full ownership of Palmerston in 1954 by means of an amendment to the Cook Islands Act passed by the New Zealand Parliament.

Three branches of the family remain and each has a section of the main island for houses and crops, and parts of the other islets. Marriage within a family branch is prohibited. The Islanders are also fiercely loyal to Her Majesty the Queen (Queen Elizabeth II) who they say is a distant relative. For the Marsters story in detail, click here OFF THE MAP The island is so remote, it wasn't even properly located on maps until 1969! Up and till then, its position was based on Captain Cook's original charts which showed it 10 miles away from where navigation satellites have now confirmed it really is. Around the reef are six groups of islets, the largest being Palmerston. The others are North Island, Lee To Us, Leicester, Primrose, Toms and Cooks. William Marsters built his own home on Palmerston from shipwreck timbers and driftwood found on the shores at the time of his landing. And it's still standing after nearly 150 years...only the corrugated roof is recent and the the original is still underneath. The photo far right shows how big and sturdy the timbers are, and still how perfect.

Today, the building is used as a storeroom and cyclone shelter. Population 60 Cook Islands Travel Guide | Cook Islands Vacation | Journey Pacific The Beautiful Islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki Click to enlarge map Let Journey Pacific help you create your personalized Cook Islands dream vacation. Whether you are looking for a Cook Islands Honeymoon , a Cook Islands Wedding or just a vacation to relax, explore and experience these amazing islands, Journey Pacific is here to help. We have many different Cook Island Resorts from simple beach bungalows to 5 Star Luxury Resorts, just let us know what you are looking for and tell us what your budget is and we will help you plan a trip to remember. We will also help you plan your Cook Islands Day Tours , take a circle island 4WD day tour or a trip over to Aitutaki or relax on one of the many daytime or evening sunset cruises. The Islands of The Cooks With a mix of coral atolls and volcanic islands, a good few of the nine Southern islands could be listed as “must see before I die”.

An idyllic climate, stunning scenery, warm-hearted people and a desirable way of life where “hurry” has not been coined, make them irresistible. Bush clad volcanic peaks descend to glistening white sands and the inevitable palm-fringed blue lagoons. Whether you choose to stay in the Capital at one of our Rarotonga Resorts , or make your way over to the breathtakingly beautiful Aitutaki and stay in one of our Aitutaki Resorts , rest assured we will do all possible to help you find the perfect place for your dream Cook Islands vacation. The Culture of The Cooks The Cook Islands culture is moulded by its Polynesian heritage mixed with a European influence. A melange of magical mystical islands shrouded in legends of romance and piracy, escapades and hidden treasures, all of which have shaped the traditions and customs that give the Cook Island people their own unique identity The Call of the Drum Stories abound of marauding tribes, romantic liaisons between ill-fated clans, seafaring adventures and cultural clashes. But what defines the Cook Islanders from their neighbours is the call of the drum. Considered some of the best – arguably the finest – entertainers in the Pacific, Cook Islanders come by this reputation honestly.

The art, skill and grace of their dancing and their drumming take you on a spiritual journey as anyone who has experienced the traditional Ura will verify. Based on legends that relate through body movement and music, stories of love, desire, hurt and passion they reflect a cultural heritage that is alive and beating strong. Music of the Cook Islands The call of the drum is loudest in the Cook Islands – the rhythmic pounding of a tattoo on hollowed out tree trunks is a talent taught from childhood. Music is a part of life, from the chants and songs of the Kaparima, hymns heard harmoniously echoing in the hallows of the churches; from the choirs on Sunday to the string bands and their combos of electronic and traditional ukuleles made from coconut shells that pulsate from the night clubs all over this part of the Cook Islands. Numerous festivals throughout the year reflect this talent. There are many competitions held annually where the competitive spirit between each island comes to the fore. Regular international awards are a testament to this phenomenal talent./ Arts and Crafts Then there are the arts and crafts.

Considered as some of the finest artists and carvers in the Pacific, it’s the decorative wood carvings, tattoos and tapa cloth designs which have a distinctive Cook Islands touch. The missionaries considered tattooing to be taboo in the mid 1800s, but fortunately it survived and is re-emerging in fine tradition. Designs and motifs are derived from heritage and ancient lore and are worn with pride, symbolizing one’s traditional inheritance. Check out the wood carvings, weaving, shell and seed hat bands, woven pandanus mats and of course the amazing paintings that you will find in many gift shops and in your resorts. Also no self-respecting lady should return from the Cook Islands without one of the hand printed designs of the Pareus and mu-mus. Polynesian identity is found everywhere in the Cook Islands – in museums and galleries, in restored sites and in everyday life. A true indication of the innate artistic spirit contained in the body of every Cook Islander The People of The Cooks This melange of magical and mystical Cook Islands is shrouded in traditions and legends handed down from generation to generation since the arrival of the Polynesians – believed to be around 800AD.

The Northern Group of islanders are thought to be from Samoa and Tonga and the Southern Group largely from the Society Islands and the Marquesas; and are part of what was believed to be the last great wave of Polynesian migration from Asia, which began as far back as 1500BC. It was also around 800 to 1000AD that Raiatea in the Society Islands became established as the centre of culture and religion in the Pacific and dispatched voyagers to Hawaii, the Tuamotu Archipelago and also the Cooks, to rule over the islands. It was they who brought the religion, cultural traditions, medicine and the language – which was Maori Born of the Sea Cook Islanders are born of the sea. True Polynesians are known as the finest seafarers of the Pacific, voyaging across its huge waters searching for new lands and beginnings. Their bravery, skill and sheer strength far outpace those of the legendary adventurers from Portugal or Spain, the Dutch or the English. Not surprising considering their natural playground of the Pacific.

The popularity of canoeing and paddling today reflect the times of the great vakas landing on the islands’ shores and as such are regarded as sports that are a rightful part of their inheritance. Great Entertainers of the Pacific It is the natural charm of the Cook Island people that lures visitors in. Friendly, high-spirited and welcoming – they are the great entertainers of the Pacific and regarded as the best dancers and drummers in Polynesia. Festivals are an important part of the annual calendar, where the competition between the islands to produce the most outstanding performers is part of the national pride. Strong Family Bonds The inherent traits of genuine care for others and love of family are apparent no matter the island background. The bond of family is vital and everyone is a part of a clan that is connected to the tribal chiefs (ariki). Land and title inheritance also come from the same gene pool, which has influenced the way of life for centuries. Reunions, marriages, births and deaths are marked as special family occasions which ensure a continuation of the bloodlines. Extended family is an integral part of the Cook Island existence with children often living with grandparents and nephews and nieces living with aunts and uncles.

Adoption of family members is also widely encouraged. So knowing where you fit in the family tree is a vital part of being a member of a Cook Island dynasty. Influence The ariki who ruled in pre-European times are still regarded as the leaders and their titles earn them respect throughout the Cook Islands. As the first to adopt Christianity, it was their influence which encouraged the Cook Islanders to adopt the faith. It was also their approval which helped establish the British and New Zealand colonial rule. Ariki Influence The Mataiapo is also a hereditary chiefly title and as heads of sub-tribes, they are subject to the ariki as far as the entire tribe is concerned and owe traditional allegiance. Otherwise they are largely independent as their own family group heads and assist the ariki in land matters and traditional ceremonies. Traditionally they were appointed by the ariki in recognition of their ability and service as were the rangatira – also a sub-chief – and in ancient times were usually the brothers and sisters of the ariki. Allure of the Islands The Cook Islanders, like any true blooded Maori, enjoy pomp, splendour and big ceremonies with traditional customs and much feasting – an investiture is no exception.

The beauty and charm of the Cook Islands themselves is matched by the friendliness of the people who think nothing at all of offering a lift, striking up a conversation on the beach or extending an invitation to dinner. Embedded in the culture, and consequently the people, this outgoing spirit is a celebration of the fact that something as uncomplicated as a warm smile is always there – underlining the allure of the Cook Islands The History of The Cooks Cook Islanders regard themselves first and foremost as true Polynesians connecting directly back to the finest seafarers of the vast Pacific. It is due to their sophisticated navigation that took them fearlessly through vast ocean tracts in search of new lands that the Cook Islands came into being. Positioned at the very centre of Polynesia, the Cook Islands stretch out in a scattering of 2 million square kilometres. Each island has its special place within the group. But their origins are owed to the Polynesians who arrived in Rarotonga around 800 AD.

These ancient voyagers had set sail from Tupua’i, now French Polynesia The Great Polynesian Migration Continuing the Polynesian habit of sea bound exploration and migration, Cook Islands legend also claims that the great Maori migrations to New Zealand began from Rarotonga as early as the 5th century AD. But the great Polynesian migration began in 1500BC when the islands were gradually populated by Maori ancestors who landed in their Vakas (magnificent giant double hulled canoes which are still part of the traditional way of life) guided by the stars and the famous power of Polynesian navigation. With the exception of a stopover from the Spanish explorers Alvaro de Mendana sighting Pulapuka in 1595 and Pedro Fernandex de Quiros sighting Rakahanga in 1606, all was quiet in the Cook Islands until around 1773.

Captain James Cook Captain James Cook, the great explorer who, on the orders of his country, was voyaging the South Pacific for possible land acquisition, In 1773 he sighted Manuae, then subsequently Palmerston, Takutea, Mangaia and Atiu in 1777. Those following left a more questionable wake. The redoubtable Captain William Bligh first sighted Aitutaki in 1798 and soon after, following the very bloody Mutiny on the Bounty, the buccaneer Fletcher Christian having seconded Captain Bligh’s very own boat, sailed into Rarotonga. The Climate of The Cooks Cooled by the gentle breezes of the Pacific, the climate of these islands is sunny and pleasant. Roughly speaking, there are two seasons: from November through May the climate is hot and humid, and from June through October the climate is warm and dry. Most of the rain falls during the hot season, but there are also many lovely sunny days during these months, with refreshing trade-winds. The Currency of The Cooks In the Cook Islands the currency is the New Zealand dollar.

The Language of The Cooks In The Cook Islands the languages spoken are English and Cook Island Maori. Share this: Cook Islands - Where are the Cook Islands? Cook Island map and guide | Tahiti Legends Cook Islands Home Destinations The Cook Islands The Cook Islands With clear, turquoise lagoons and lush tropical rain forests, the Cook Islands are a Polynesian jewel in an unspoiled paradise. A mix of coral atolls and volcanic islands, they are some of best kept secrets in the South Pacific. The islands are divided into two groups: the Northern Group and the Southern Group. The six islands that make up the Northern Group ï¿½ Pukapuka, Penrhyn, Manihiki, Rakahanga, Suwarrow and Nassau ï¿½ are often described as ï¿½the stuff that dreams are made of.ï¿½ Their remote charm has allured many explorers, authors and artists.

The Southern Group consists of nine islands ï¿½ Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mangaia, Takutea, Manuae, Mauke and Palmerston ï¿½ which boast an idyllic climate, stunning scenery and a desirable, easygoing way of life. The beauty and charisma of these islands is matched only by the warm hospitality of their Polynesian people. These friendly locals welcome you to immerse yourself in their rich tapestry of traditions. The Northern Group of islanders are thought to be from Samoa and Tonga, while the Southern Group is largely believed to be from the Society Islands and the Marquesas Archipelago. Their culture is molded by their Polynesian heritage mixed with a European influence, shaping the traditions and customs that give the Cook Islands such a unique identity. Just as colorful as the islands' rich history is the variety of adventurous activities available. Partake in thrilling water activities such as fishing, snorkeling and diving in a natural aquarium of brilliant blue water. Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands, invites you to explore her majestic mountain peaks, lush rain forests and cascading waterfalls.

The island of Aitutaki, with one of the most pristine lagoons in the Pacific, beckons honeymooners and romantics of all ages. The Cook Islands and their picturesque landscapes are the perfect setting to fulfill any and all of your island desires. Offering a tranquil escape away from the everyday, we encourage you to relax and rejuvenate in these beautiful, exotic islands. LEGEND | Tangiia and Karika Two warriors, Tangiia from Tahiti and Karika from Samoa, were once both at sea in search of the island of Rarotonga. As their canoes approached on the horizon, they discovered that the other was in search of the same island. Tangiia quickly hid his men below deck, and then the two canoes engaged in 'putoto' ï¿½ a pushing battle. Tangiia waited until Karika's men had exhausted their strength, then called his men up to paddle. They pushed Karika's canoe back so far that it was almost returned to Samoa. Accepting defeat, Karika surrendered and gave Tangiia directions to Rarotonga. But as Tangiia and his men ventured south, he noticed the water was getting cold and realized they had been tricked.

Although Rarotonga means "down south," they had traveled too far south. They paddled northward again, only to find Karika and the Samoans approaching Rarotonga. Again, the two canoes engaged in 'putoto' and after several days ï¿½ neither winning ï¿½ they decided to split Rarotonga in half. Each party ï¿½ both the Tahitians and the Samoans ï¿½ was welcomed by the native Rarotongans.

Question: In which island group would you find Rarotonga, Palmerston and Aitutaki?
Answer: Cook Islands